Difference between Yogasana & Exercise

Abstract: Mindfullness & Breath alignment differentiates Yogasana’s from Exercise at practice

level; while reduction in stress & Anxiety is the difference at effect level. Kindly check people 10-15 yrs down the line who loved to hit the iron.

01. Mindfulness & Mindful Relaxation:

Yogasana: These two are the most important aspects of Asana. Mindful Relaxation is practised at three levels - firstly at the Focus area of a particular Asana, than at the remaining parts of the body and finally the expansive relaxation leading to Meditative State. (Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.46, 2.47 & 2.48)

Exercise: These two are not part of exercising – the practice is done in a Mechanical way.

02. Hormones release:

Yogasana: GABA & Dopamine secretion increases.

Exercise: Adrenaline, Enkephalins & Endorphins secretion increase.

03. Emotional Effect:

Yogasana:  Calmness & Blissfulness – decreased salivary cortisol, increased High Frequency Heart Rate Variability (HF HRV) along with quietening of Hypothalamus Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) Axis.

Exercise: more Anxiety & Stress – increased Salivary Cortisol & Low Frequency Heart Rate Variability (LF HRV) along with stimulation of Hypothalamus Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) Axis.

04. Channelizing of energy for healing:

Yogasana: It is one of the core aspects of Asana. Every Yogasana has a body part as a focal Point/Area to which energy can be channelized to. This aspect can be used for disease management. Examples - Vakrasana (focal point - solar plexus) for Diabetes Mellitus, Sarvangasana (Focal Point - Throat area) for Thyroid problems etc.

Exercise: It is neither a part of exercise nor is it possible to do so.

05. Stretch vs Contraction

Yogasana: Full Length Muscle & Tendon Stretch leading to Muscle Relaxation (by Inverse Stretch Reflex thro Golgi Tendon organs).

Exercise:Full Strength Contraction of muscle leading to Stimulation.

06. Isometric vs Isotonic

Yogasana: Isometric Stretching with position maintained for long [after a Slow & Smooth Stretching of muscle to attain a particular Asana Position].

Exercise: Isotonic Contractions.

07. Inverse Stretch Reflex:

Yogasana: Inverse Stretch Reflex gets activated [manifested through Golgi apparatus] adding to muscle relaxation.

Exercise: Inverse Stretch Reflex not activated.

08. Supple vs Rigid

Yogasana: Muscles become Supple.

Exercise: Muscles become Rigid.

09. Neural Mass vs Muscle Mass

Yogasana: ‘Neural Mass’ increases - Muscle control improves

Exercise: ‘Muscle Mass’ increases

10. Breath Alignment:

Yogasana: Alignment to Breath is an integral part.

Exercise: No Alignment to Breath.

11. Breathing Rate:

Yogasana: Breathing Rate Reduces.

Exercise: Breathing Rate Increases.

12. Oxygen Saturation:

Yogasana: Oxygen replenishment.

Exercise: Oxygen depletion.

13. Energy Fuel:

Yogasana: Mostly Body Fat is burnt.

Exercise: Glucose & Gycogen is Burnt

14. Blood Circulation:

Yogasana: Blood Circulation increases to both muscles & Internal Organs.

Exercise: Blood circulation increases only to external Muscles.

15. Tired vs Rejuvenated:

Yogasana: Muscles feel Rejuvenated after Yogasana as they get more O2, Glucose and most importantly – ATPs.

Exercise: Muscles feel Tired due to accumulation of metabolic wastes like CO2, Lactic Acid, Adenosine etc

16. Food Intake:

Yogasana: Food Intake Decreases

Exercise: Food Intake Increases

17. Sublimation vs Stimulation:

Yogasana: Sublimation is inherent and includes inner organs.

Exercise: Stimulation is effortful and confined to external muscles.

18. Post activity Relaxation:

Yogasana: ‘Post activity Relaxation’ is an essential part of Yogasana practice.

Exercise: ‘Post activity Relaxation’ not a part of Exercising.

19. Active vs Passive relaxation:

Yogasana: Relaxation is active (conscious) and deeper, constituting an essential part of Yogasana Practice.

Exercise: Relaxation is passive [Lying down/Sleeping after exercise]

20. Energy Balance:

Yogasana: Energy is Conserved.

Exercise: Energy is spent